Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression
Medications help many people manage anxiety, but they're not the only solution. Exercise and psychotherapy can be powerful treatments too.
Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs (citalopram, Lexapro, fluoxetine, Prozac, paroxetine, Zoloft) also help with anxiety. Other medications, such as histamine blockers such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), can also offer relief.
Antidepressants
Your doctor could prescribe medication to treat depression. Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications and there are a variety of types to choose from. The type your provider chooses will depend on the severity of your symptoms, any other medical conditions you have, and the treatment goals.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They alter the way nerve cells within your brain communicate. They work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain which improves your mood and anxiety. It could take up to several weeks for antidepressants start working therefore, be patient.
Benzodiazepines are a different option that your doctor may recommend to treat anxiety and depression. They are quick-acting and can help relieve anxiety and depression symptoms in a short period of time. The Benzodiazepines include lorazepam, alprazolam and others. They block the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are hormones involved in the fight or flight response.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are an older kind of antidepressant that is also effective in treating depression and anxiety. These are often prescribed to those who haven't responded to other antidepressants. They also require changes to diet to prevent hypertensive reactions caused by the amino acid tyramine.
Tell your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant under prescription. This includes vitamins and supplements. You may need to lower the dosage if you're taking other medicines that impact the way antidepressants function, or if they cause negative side effects. Get help immediately if you have thoughts of suicide.
You might have different symptoms for depression and anxiety or you may have comorbid depression and anxiety. People who have comorbid depression and anxiety have a less favorable medical prognosis than people who suffer from either disorder on their own. Certain psychiatric medications have been shown to be particularly effective in treating both disorders for those with comorbid anxiety and depression.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety symptoms can be alleviated through benzodiazepines. They include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications affect the central nervous system's benzodiazepine receptors which are protein molecules comprised of 5 transmembrane subunits that shape a benzyl chloride channel in the center. The benzodiazepine receptors also possess a binding site for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutryic acid type A (GABA-A). The benzodiazepines work by increasing the concentration of GABA-A, decreasing the activity of the nerve and relaxing muscles.
Benzodiazepines have a rapid time to begin their action, however they have a high risk of dependence and addiction. Antipsychotics and antidepressants, as well as anticonvulsants as well as buspirone are slower in the onset of action, but are still beneficial for long-term usage, since they do not cause dependence or tolerance.
Anxiety and depression are often co-occurring, and antidepressants can help decrease symptoms of depression that are linked with anxiety. However, many people suffering from depression experience a combination of depressive and anxious symptoms and will require a combination of medication and therapy to manage all of their symptoms.
In these instances benzodiazepines are often used for a short time to control depression or anxiety symptoms while other medications are in effect. These medications are usually prescribed for a brief period of time, not on a daily basis. If you take benzodiazepines for long periods of time may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and difficulty sleeping, so these medications are only to be used according to the prescription of your doctor.
If you're thinking of taking benzodiazepines, tell your doctor about any previous dependency or substance abuse issues as well as any other mental health problems you may have. Your doctor will be able to talk to you about possible side effects, and suggest other drugs if required to treat depression.
Benzodiazepines can create serious and even life-threatening complications in the event that you consume too much or have never previously taken them. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or have a history of liver disease, digestive or respiratory problems your doctor may suggest lower doses or limit the time you are treated with these drugs. Alcohol can negatively interact with benzodiazepines, increasing the risk of side effects and dependence. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be utilized as an option to treat anxiety symptoms. They are a different kind of drug than the benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and block receptors that adrenaline binds. They also reduce the activity of the nervous system and brain. They can be used as an alternative to benzodiazepines, which are more addictive and have an increased risk of dependency.
Beta blockers, which reduce blood pressure and slow the heart rate, are commonly prescribed to treat heart conditions. They are also beneficial in treating anxiety. However, they aren't specifically approved by the FDA to treat of anxiety disorder. They are often employed "off label" for this purpose and are a great option if other anti-anxiety medications do not offer relief or have intolerable adverse effects. They are particularly effective in cases of social and performance anxiety, where physical symptoms may occur when an event triggers anxiety.
They can be utilized in combination with other treatment options like CBT and SSRIs. They are especially effective as an alternative therapy for people with GAD. GAD is characterized by constant and recurring anxiety that can hinder everyday activities. They can also help manage physical symptoms of anxiety such as a racing heart or increased sweating.
While beta-blockers can help to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, they cannot tackle the psychological issues that contribute to the condition. They are most effective as a supplement to other treatments, such as benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Before taking beta-blockers, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your medical history and other health issues.
These drugs are associated with reduced psychiatric admissions and suicidal behaviors, however the outcomes can differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnoses and the psychiatric history of the past. In certain patients, they could increase the risk of heart attacks.
Some natural ingredients contain similar properties to beta-blockers, but are not as efficient. These include antioxidants, garlic, the saffron plant and potassium. These natural ingredients aren't completely understood. Some of these products may cause serious side-effects, therefore it is best to consult with a physician before taking them.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) function by altering the way that your brain functions. They block an enzyme called monoamine oxide, which breaks down chemicals like norepinephrine, serotonin and other chemical compounds that let brain cells to communicate with one another. By blocking monoamine oxide, MAOIs ensure that you have more chemical messengers in your brain, which elevates your mood through improved brain cell communication.
These drugs are also effective in treating anxiety disorders, especially anxiety-related disorders such as agoraphobia, mixed depression and anxiety. They are less effective in treating pure anxiety and may not help in panic attacks. The MAOIs' effectiveness has been linked to their capacity to boost serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. These neurotransmitters are produced naturally in your body and then released into the bloodstream, where they travel to nerve cells, and act as a messenger between neurons.
The first antidepressant developed in the 1950s was iproniazid, which blocked monoamine oxidase. This led to the development of other MAOIs, such as tranylcypromine isocarboxazid, and fluoxetine, that are widely used to treat depression. MAOIs are usually prescribed after other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, have been tried without success. types of anxiety disorders could trigger serious withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped. They may also cause serious food and drug interactions.
A newer MAOI called a selective, irreversible MAOA-A inhibitor is being studied to determine its effectiveness in treating depression resistant to treatment. It is not recommended for use in bipolar disorder since it could trigger manic symptoms. Selegiline, a more recent MAOI (also called Zelapar or Eldepryl) is being studied for treatment of Parkinson's disease. It blocks monoamine oxidase but does not affect the other enzymes that breakdown levodopa, which is the primary treatment for Parkinson's. These medications can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other antidepressants. MAOIs can cause hyperreflexia and increased neuromuscular excitability in some patients. This may manifest as muscle twitching, eyelid twitching, and other signs. These reactions could be more common if the drugs are consumed with certain foods such as aged cheeses or cured meats.